What you need to know
and where to find it
Starting With Timber Frame – Everything You Should Know
These documents will provide a solid starting point.
If you’re considering timber frame for the first time, whether you’re an architect, developer, engineer or contractor, this page is here to help.
Timber frame is a well-established, proven construction method used across the UK. It’s fast, reliable and aligns with low-carbon building goals. But if you’re new to it, knowing where to start can be tricky. We’ve pulled together the key guidance from the Structural Timber Association (STA) so you can get up to speed quickly.
Below you’ll find a selection of documents, grouped by theme. Each one includes a short summary so you can decide what’s relevant to your role or project. All documents are available to download.
Timber Frame: Where to Start – Digital Guide
This is a great overview if you’re new to timber frame. It explains the basics of timber frame systems, how they’re built, and what to consider at each stage of a project. Ideal for early-stage learning and signposting to deeper technical content.
Audience: All – especially useful for architects, contractors, specifiers and students.
Using Structural Timber for the First Time
Structured around the RIBA Plan of Work, this guide gives a practical overview of what using structural timber means in real project stages. Helpful for design teams and clients looking to align timber frame with their design and procurement processes.
Audience: Design teams, consultants, developers.
Introduction to Structural Timber
An entry-level guide explaining the different timber build systems, including timber frame and SIPs. Good for understanding where timber fits in modern construction.
Audience: General introduction for anyone unfamiliar with timber construction.
Finding a Project Partner
Advice for selecting a timber frame supplier, including what questions to ask and when to bring them on board. Especially relevant for self-builders or small developers.
Audience: Self-builders, developers, contractors.
Design & Technical Guidance
Timber frame brings a few specific design considerations that differ from traditional masonry. This section focuses on practical guidance to support architects, engineers and project teams through the RIBA stages, from concept to site delivery, with a clear focus on structural timber systems.
Design and Construction Guidance (Time for Timber)
A clear walkthrough of each RIBA work stage, showing what to consider when designing with timber. Covers design coordination, manufacturing, and construction stages.
Audience: Architects, engineers, project managers.
16 Steps to Fire Safety – Detailed Explanation
A clear walkthrough of each RIBA work stage, showing what to consider when designing with timber. Covers design coordination, manufacturing, and construction stages.
Audience: Architects, engineers, project managers.
Fire Safety & Moisture Management
Safety is a core part of any construction project. This section includes tested solutions and detailed guidance for designing and building timber frame structures that meet fire safety and moisture performance standards. These documents are particularly useful when you’re specifying systems or managing risk.
Fire in Use Pattern Book – Volume 1
This Pattern Book sets out tested timber frame systems with fire resistance performance for use in dwellings up to 11m. It includes tested wall, floor and roof solutions. A must-have reference for those specifying or assessing compliance.
Audience: Specifiers, warranty providers, building control, designers.
Commercial & Market Insight
Timber frame isn’t just a technical choice, it can also offer real commercial value. This section explores the business case for timber, from faster build times to reduced prelim costs. It also includes industry data and quality assurance information to help you make well-informed, strategic decisions.
Guide to Commercial Viability
Explains how timber frame can add value through faster build times, lower prelim costs, and more predictable programme delivery. Useful for writing appraisals or comparing build options.
Audience: Developers, QS teams, clients.
Structural Timber Market Update (2025)
An overview of the UK timber frame market, including demand trends, forecasts, and the role of timber in meeting net zero targets.
Audience: Senior leadership, business development, strategists.
STA Quality Standards
Outlines the STA’s approach to quality assurance through the STA Assure scheme. Explains why this matters for clients, insurers and the wider construction industry.
Audience: All organisations involved in the supply chain.
Making the transition to timber frame construction easier for every builder.
The Structural Timber Association (STA) is here to support builders of all sizes and experience levels as they move into timber frame construction. Whether you’re building your first timber frame project or looking to expand your expertise, we provide all the information, guidance, and resources you need to make your timber frame building a success.
QUALITY STANDARDS
STA Assure is our Quality Assurance Scheme that provides
confidence in the use of structural timber and
determines member competency and compliance.